I never liked the word "companion," though it was around more 10 years ago (that I noticed). I see "partner" as more in vogue now (including for straight people who aren't married but are together, like Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt). I hope for the day we can all use "wife," "husband," "girlfriend," and "boyfriend."

I screwed up--Angelina Jolie is bi, not straight. I'm real sensitive about being rhetorically erased and labeled a "lesbian," and then I go and do it to someone else!

This is why it's so important to discuss the words, how we feel about them, how they came about, etc. Words are what we use to explain our lives and feelings, and they can be used to insult and diminish us, too.